With 5 days to go,what would you most recommend seeing in Alaska?

[Anonymous User]

Hey 5 days to go,actually 3 cause we are spending two in Seattle,a place I love, but what is the best in Alaska? I booked for the whale watching with Captain Larry but thats it . Also what is your favorite thing to do onboard. Thanks for any answers, I feel stupid asking but I am so excited and I can not wait. All of you people seem like such seasoned travelers. At least my husband who used to take pictures professionly will take hundreds of pictures so I will never forget. Thanks. Korina,the 1st time cruiser

 

[BSeabob]

I know how you feel. Everytime. We were not all that keen on Alaska having been through the North many times...BUT..we were wrong. It's just great. Don't miss the inside passage and the rest of the trip with land in sight.. Spend as much time as you can just watching the world go by. Way different than most cruises as you can actually see stuff between Ports. Warm or cold drink and a good book is a nice option.

 

[halfdome86]

We enjoyed visiting the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau. You'll pass by as you head to/from Capt. Larry's boat. Try to get there if you have the time. The Orca bus can drop you off there after your whalewatch trip I believe. Then you can grab the $5 bus back to the docks.

Mt. Roberts tramway is really nice too if the weather is clear. Beautiful views of the area. The terminal for the tram is right at the dock.

I recommend the White Pass railroad train in Skagway. Beatiful scenery and interesting history.

My favorite thing to do on the ship is sit with my feet up and soak in the scenery.

 

[Howie]

If you can afford a flight tour I would suggest taking one of those for some great scenery. A flight tour that lands on a glacier is really one of the best things to do. Flight tours are in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.

Ketchikan has the totem parks to see, fishing and kayaking are also good to do here.

Juneau you are already going with Capt Larry which is well worth while. Like was already said you could take a trip to Mendenhall Glacier very cheaply. If they have time the bus from Capt Larry may drop you off at Mendenhall but if they are behind schedule it won't happen but you can still catch the bus in town for a very low price.

Skagway as the other person said White Pass Railway has some spectacular views. There is also the trip into the Yukon or a trip over to Haines by boat.

 

[Anonymous User]

Thanks to all of you who answered,you people are so nice and friendly.we will definately do the train because other than ships my husband has a love affair with trains,particularaly steam engine ones.Hes always getting me on one or another. Do you suggest train both ways, or bus back. Also that tram sounds very interesting, luckily I have no fear of heights,is that costly?Our whale tour is so late in day we will probably have to go to mendenhall glacier in morning. Will we have time? Our whale thing is at 3:30,thanks to halfdome I believe whose advice I took we got last two seats on tour. One more question,my husband and I love to eat,are the specialty restaurants better than main?We are celebrating our anniversary on board so I booked Le Bistro for one night. Well if anyone can answer these great, I pack tomorrow and then bright and early Friday we leave for Seattle for two days before boarding Sunday. Thanks again a million :kisses Korina

 

[halfdome86]

I could be wrong but I think the only time the White Pass RR uses the old steam engine is on Saturdays. Our trip they used the Green/yellow diesel. We did the round trip on the train. You never get off the train that way. If you do only go up the route make sure you sit on the left side of the train. It's more scenic that way. We were lucky and the weather was terrific and I rode the whole way back down outside in between the cars which was a lot of fun......and noisy.

Mt. Roberts tram is about $21 for all day I think. There's a nice visitor center and gift shop up there.

What time does the ship arrive? If you're there early enough in the morning, you'll have plenty of time to go to Mendenhall. Unless you want to hike the trails there you can "do" the visitor center (small charge) and walk to the water in an hour or so. The glacier is about 10 miles from the docks. As I recall it took about 20 minutes on the bus. It's $10 round trip per person to take the bus to/from the glacier. Walk to the end of the parking lot and there's a bear viewing area. Now we've been twice and didn't see any bears there but there are salmon spawning.

You'll see the Mendenhall glacier from a distance on the road to/from the dock where you'll meet up with Captain Larry.

And if you have the time and energy try to walk around the towns. That's our favorite thing to do in all ports.